Upkesh Vansh

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Upkesh Vansh" in English:

Book Title: Upkesh Vansh Author(s): Unknown Publisher: Ratnaprabhakar Gyanpushapmala Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/034649/1

Overall Summary:

"Upkesh Vansh" is a historical and narrative account, presented in a poetic, devotional, and lyrical style, detailing the origins and early history of the Oswal community, tracing their lineage back to the legendary king Shri Maal and his descendants. The text is structured as a series of verses, often sung in specific traditional melodies, aiming to enlighten the community about their heritage and the spiritual guidance they received from Jain ascetics, particularly Acharya Ratnaprabha Suri.

Key Themes and Narrative Highlights:

1. Origin of the Oswal Community:

   • The narrative begins with a tribute to Lord Mahavir and Acharya Ratnaprabha Suri.
   • It states that the Oswal community originated from the historic city of Shri Maal.
   • The story focuses on a pivotal event involving the king of Shri Maal and his sons. One son, named Upladev Kunwar (or Upaldev), due to some displeasure or circumstance, left his father with his wealth.

2. The Horse Acquisition and the King's Boon:

   • Upladev Kunwar, seeking to gain favor, decided to present fifty-five horses to a king (likely in Teliya Pur/Delhi, though the specific location is noted with variations). He purchased these horses for a considerable sum.
   • He used a strategy of gifting a few horses daily to the king, but this continued for fifty-five days without a significant breakthrough, leading to the loss of the horses.
   • A turning point occurred when the king was impressed by the horses and wished to meet the donor. Upladev was summoned and honored.
   • The king offered Upladev a boon: "Wherever I sit on a horse and it defecates, I shall receive that much kingdom." This powerful boon was granted.

3. The Divine Intervention and the Founding of Upkeshpur:

   • Using the boon, Upladev began his conquests. The text then describes a miraculous event: the goddess Chamunda (though the text notes this attribution might be from Bhatta traditions rather than pure Jain texts) appeared to Upladev.
   • The goddess instructed him to build her temple inside a mountain and to inform a specific person (an Ahir/cowherd) to be ready. She also prophesied that the city would be established from her emergence from the mountain, bringing light and prosperity.
   • Upladev conveyed these instructions. However, the cowherd, in his fear or haste, forgot a crucial part of the instruction.
   • When the mountain split open, the goddess emerged, but due to the incomplete communication, she only partially emerged, and the city of Upkesh Pattan (later known as Upkeshpur or Proshi) was founded where she emerged.

4. Growth and Prosperity of Upkeshpur:

   • Upladev became the king of this new city, with a minister named Uhada.
   • The city prospered, with a large population of Kshatriyas (warrior class) described as being valiant. The community grew to eighteen thousand families, and the total population reached 384,000, becoming a large and prosperous settlement filled with wealth, grains, and trade.

5. The Arrival of Acharya Ratnaprabha Suri:

   • The narrative shifts to the spiritual leadership of Acharya Ratnaprabha Suri, who was a highly accomplished Jain monk (a "Shrut Kevali" and "Anagar") possessing great spiritual powers ("labdhis").
   • He arrived at Achalgadh with five hundred disciples. They performed severe austerities, including fasting for extended periods (one month "masa khaman").
   • The local goddess of Achalgadh, Chakreshvari, was impressed by the Acharya's penance and devotion.
   • The Acharya decided to travel to the Marwar region, and the goddess offered her assistance for this journey.

6. The Acharya's Influence and the Oswal Identity:

   • Acharya Ratnaprabha Suri and his disciples reached Upkeshpur. The Acharya performed a month-long penance outside the city.
   • His disciples found it difficult to obtain suitable alms in the city due to the prevalence of "mithya drishti" (false beliefs) among the populace.
   • When the Acharya's penance was complete, he began to move on. The goddess Chamunda (again, with a note about attribution) called out to him, urging him to stay and bring about spiritual reform.
   • The Acharya, discerning the spiritual potential and the right time for intervention, agreed. He stated that he would only perform miracles if there was a significant benefit to the Dharma.
   • He established the practice of righteousness, and the name "Oswal" (derived from "Oshwal" or the place name "Upkesh") became associated with this lineage, with eighteen main clans and many sub-clans.
   • The text mentions that around Vikram Samvat 400 (before the 11th century), these Kshatriya residents of Proshi began to be called Oswals.

7. The Creation of the Mahavir Idol:

   • The community decided to build a temple. However, any idol made during the day would be destroyed at night.
   • They sought the Acharya's help to resolve this obstacle.
   • The Acharya advised that an idol of a goddess should be made. The text describes a miraculous event where a special cow belonging to minister Uhada produced divine milk.
   • This milk, mixed with sand, was used by the goddess to create an idol of Lord Mahavir.
   • The idol's creation was accelerated, and when unearthed, it had two knots on its chest due to the hurried process.
   • The Acharya performed the consecration (pratishtha) of the idol in Upkeshpur and Korata simultaneously, marking a significant spiritual event.

8. The Problem of the Knots and its Resolution:

   • The presence of the knots on the idol caused distress to the devotees. Younger members wanted them removed, while elders cautioned against it, fearing further complications.
   • The elders, acting for community matters, went away, and the younger members, with the help of a carpenter, attempted to remove the knots. This resulted in blood flowing, causing panic and a further dilemma.
   • The community approached the Acharya for a solution. He directed them to seek the help of Acharya Kakkasuri on Mount Abu.
   • Acharya Kakkasuri, a highly influential and compassionate saint, arrived and performed the consecration and purification rituals. In Vikram Samvat 700 (or 303 years after the initial consecration), he successfully resolved the issue, removing the knots and establishing the pristine state of the idol.

9. Legacy and Teachings:

   • The text concludes by emphasizing the importance of Jain Dharma, describing Lord Mahavir as someone who has overcome all karmas and attained salvation.
   • It praises the Jain gurus (like Ratnaprabha Suri) as truth-tellers, who have renounced worldly pleasures and followed the five great vows.
   • The Oswal community, guided by these teachings, embraced Samkit Darshan (right faith), right knowledge, and right conduct.
   • The narrative highlights the contribution of Acharya Ratnaprabha Suri in establishing the eighteen principal clans and guiding the community.
   • The final verses praise the virtues of ideal courageous individuals, who are diligent, persevering, and transform challenges into opportunities, embodying the spirit of the Oswal community.

Purpose and Style:

The "Upkesh Vansh" serves as a historical chronicle and a source of inspiration for the Oswal community. It aims to instill pride in their heritage, reinforce their Jain identity, and remind them of the spiritual guidance they have received throughout their history. The poetic style, with its use of various musical meters (tarz), makes it a devotional piece meant to be sung and remembered. The language is devotional and narrative, weaving together historical events with miraculous occurrences and spiritual lessons.